Last updated on December 2, 2024

The Best Scholarships for High School Seniors with Upcoming Deadlines in 2024

The Best Scholarships for High School Seniors with Upcoming Deadlines

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1206 SCHOLARSHIPS
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  1. Cover image for No Essay Scholarship by Sallie

    No Essay Scholarship by Sallie

    By: Sallie

    Apply to Sallie Mae's monthly no-essay scholarship for high school seniors in seconds for a chance to win $2,000!
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$2,000
    Winners:1 monthly winner
    Learn More
    Hosted by a 3rd party
    Verified by Bold.org
    Sponsored
    1
  2. Jennifer and Rob Tower Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Lorri Ely
    This scholarship aims to honor the incredible legacy set out by Jennifer Tower by supporting students who are passionate about making their mark on the world.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Background: Must demonstrate significant contributions of kindness and generosity in their community or personal life
    • Education Level: Open to students of all educational backgrounds and career interests
    Amount:$2,450
    Deadline is Approaching! 25 days left
    One Click Apply
    2
  3. Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship

    Funded by
    Dr.Terence O. Hayes Sr.
    The Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship will support the academic endeavors of one student who has struggled with or has been impacted by someone who struggles with mental health.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$2,450
    Deadline:Jun 13, 2025
    One Click Apply
    3
  4. Uniball's Skilled Trades Scholarship

    Funded by
    Lansing Family
    In honor of Dan “Uniball” Lansing, this scholarship seeks to help those pursuing a skilled trade such as welder, electrician, plumber, and more.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Field of Study: Must be pursuing a skilled trade
    • Education Level: Must be a High School or Undergraduate Student
    Amount:$5,200
    Deadline:Mar 13, 2025
    One Click Apply
    4
  5. HeySunday Scholarship for Moms in College

    Funded by
    HeySunday
    This scholarship aims to make college more accessible by supporting mothers who are seeking to further their education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student at a U.S. university
    • Background: Mother
    Amount:$2,500
    Deadline:Jun 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    5
  6. Raise Me Up to DO GOOD Scholarship

    Funded by
    Ginger Zappa
    This scholarship seeks to support students who have been raised by parents who have made an impact on them and their ambitions.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or trade school student
    • GPA: 3.0 GPA or higher
    • Background: From a single-parent or blended-family home
    Amount:$3,250
    Deadline:Mar 15, 2025
    One Click Apply
    6
  7. Matthew E. Minor Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Matthew E. Minor Awareness Foundation
    This scholarship aims to encourage the next generation to combat bullying and to protect children and teens on the internet.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Education Level: High school senior
    Amount:$4,000
    Deadline:Mar 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    7
  8. Todd Ramsey Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    The Todd Ramsey Memorial Scholarship Foundation
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Todd Ramsey by serving the car audio industry and providing students with a pathway to technical and business education, thus bringing a new generation of qualified technicians, sales staff, and competent shop operators to market.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, recent graduate, or GED holder
    • Field of Study: Automotive
    Amount:$15,000
    Deadline:Feb 25, 2025
    One Click Apply
    8
  9. Nick Lindblad Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Halee Gates
    This scholarship aims to support a high school senior who is passionate about music.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Field of Interest: Music
    • Education Level: High school senior
    Amount:$2,570
    Deadline:Apr 14, 2025
    One Click Apply
    9
  10. Jason David Anderson Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Kate Sansone
    This scholarship seeks to keep the memory of Jason David Anderson alive by supporting students who are pursuing higher education in order to help people who struggle with addiction.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • State: New Jersey
    • GPA: 3.0 GPA or higher
    • Background: Has been affected by addiction (personally or through a loved one)
    • Field of Study: Healthcare or rehabilitation
    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    Amount:$1,250
    Deadline:May 18, 2025
    One Click Apply
    10
  11. Kendall Ross Culinary Scholarship

    Funded by
    Nick Osterfoss and Corey Siegel
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Kendall Ross by supporting the next generation of talented chefs.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate student
    • Field of Study: Culinary arts
    Amount:$7,000
    Deadline:Feb 18, 2025
    One Click Apply
    11
  12. Ella's Gift

    Funded by
    Janice Gabe
    In memory of Ella’s fighting spirit, this scholarship aims to support and empower female students who have faced challenges related to mental health and substance abuse, helping them to pursue and achieve their educational goals.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school, trade school, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Gender: Female-identifying
    • Background: Experience with mental health issues and/or substance abuse challenges
    Amount:$2,100
    Deadline:Mar 21, 2025
    One Click Apply
    12
  13. Josh Edwards Memorial Scholarship For Creative Artists

    Funded by
    Holly Lloyd
    This scholarship seeks to honor the legacy of Josh Edwards by supporting students who share his calling to artistic endeavors.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Background: First-generation college student
    • State: North Carolina
    • Field of Study: Music, art, photography, or writing
    Amount:$800
    Deadline:Jul 07, 2025
    One Click Apply
    13
  14. Student Referee Scholarship

    Funded by
    Officials Depot LLC
    This scholarship seeks to reward exceptional student referees who exemplify integrity, dedication, and a passion for sportsmanship.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Background: Referee or umpire
    Amount:$1,300
    Deadline:Apr 23, 2025
    One Click Apply
    14
  15. Ryan Yebba Memorial Mental Health Scholarship

    Funded by
    Yebba Family
    This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Ryan Yebba by supporting students who are passionate about pursuing a career in mental health treatment.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school junior or senior
    • Field of Study: Mental health
    Amount:$1,900
    Deadline:May 10, 2025
    One Click Apply
    15
  16. F.E. Foundation Scholarship

    Funded by
    Fabian Elizondo
    This scholarship aims to give back to the Texas community by supporting students in their pursuit of higher education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • State: Texas
    Amount:$650
    Deadline:Mar 31, 2025
    One Click Apply
    16
  17. MexiDreams Scholarship

    Funded by
    Salgado-Rojas
    This scholarship aims to support students of Mexican descent who are committed to improving their future through higher education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Identity: Mexican heritage
    • Financial Status: Lower-income bracket
    • Education Level: High school junior or senior
    Amount:$6,250
    Deadline:Feb 13, 2025
    One Click Apply
    17
  18. Brad Hinshaw Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Crystal Hinshaw
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Brad Hinshaw by supporting students who have been impacted by cancer.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Background: Has lost a parent to cancer
    • GPA: 3.0 GPA or higher
    Amount:$600
    Deadline:Apr 15, 2025
    One Click Apply
    18
  19. Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship

    Funded by
    Lee Family
    This scholarship will support one low-income student attending or planning to attend art school.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school junior or senior, undergraduate
    • Background: Low-income
    • Major: Arts
    Amount:$32,023
    Deadline:Apr 09, 2025
    One Click Apply
    19
  20. Etherine Tansimore Scholarship

    Funded by
    Ollie Tansimore
    This scholarship is perfect for high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who want to make a difference through a career in the medical field.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior
    • GPA: 2.5 or higher
    • Background: Low-income
    • Field: Medical
    Amount:$910
    Deadline is Approaching! 5 days left
    One Click Apply
    20
  21. Global Girls In STEM Scholarship

    Funded by
    Global STEM Academy
    This scholarship aims to support deserving girls who are dedicated to pursuing STEM careers so they can achieve their dreams and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in the field.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Field of Study: STEM
    • Background: Non-profit or volunteering experience
    • Education Level: High school senior or first-year undergraduate student
    • Identity: Underrepresented minority student
    • Gender: Female-identifying
    Amount:$1,500
    Deadline:Feb 08, 2025
    One Click Apply
    21
  22. Christian E. Vines Scholarship

    Funded by
    Annette Vines
    This scholarship aims to support underrepresented students as they transition from high school to college so they have all of the resources they need to thrive.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior
    • Race: Black/African American
    • State: Massachusetts
    Amount:$2,420
    Deadline:Mar 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    22
  23. Stewart Family Legacy Scholarship

    Funded by
    Stewart Family
    This scholarship aims to support students who are pursuing studies in science in order to advance the field.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior
    • Field of Study: Science
    • GPA: 3.0 or greater
    Amount:$550
    Deadline:Mar 03, 2025
    One Click Apply
    23
  24. Adren Baker Culinary Arts Scholarship

    Funded by
    Catherine Baker
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of A.B. by helping the next generation of chefs come up with the funds needed to achieve their career goals.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Field of Study: Culinary arts
    • State: Texas
    Amount:$1,985
    Deadline:Feb 18, 2025
    One Click Apply
    24
  25. Pete and Consuelo Hernandez Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Hernandez Family
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of Pete and Consuelo Hernandez by supporting underrepresented students pursuing higher education in California.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • State: California
    • Background: First-generation
    • Identity: Underrepresented minority
    • Education Level: High school junior or senior
    Amount:$4,800
    Deadline:Jan 07, 2025
    One Click Apply
    25
  26. Catherine (Kay) Williams Memorial Arts Scholarship

    Funded by
    The Williams Family
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of Kay Williams by supporting students who demonstrate artistic talent.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • State: Florida
    • Field of Study: Art
    • Gender: Female
    • Education Level: High school senior
    • GPA greater than or equal to: 3
    • Financial Status: Low-Income
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:May 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    26
  27. Vegan Teens Are The Future Scholarship

    Funded by
    Vegan Teens Are The Future
    This scholarship will support high school seniors who are passionate about sharing the need for a vegan lifestyle with the world!

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Background: Vegan for 1 year or more
    • Future Plans: Share the need for a vegan lifestyle with the world
    • Education Level: High school, undergrad
    Amount:$2,015
    Deadline:Apr 09, 2025
    One Click Apply
    27
  28. Alan Perlow Scholarship

    Funded by
    Perlow
    This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Alan Perlow by supporting Jewish students who are dealing with financial hardship.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Financial Status: Low-income
    • Ethnicity/Religion: Jewish
    Amount:$753
    Deadline:Apr 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    28
  29. Daniel R. Torres "Complete Your Dream” Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Torres Family
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Daniel R. Torres by helping students finance their pursuit of higher education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • State: Idaho
    • Education Level: High school senior
    • GPA: 2.5 or higher
    Amount:$2,000
    Deadline:Mar 15, 2025
    One Click Apply
    29
  30. Gloria Millender "I am 3rd" - J. O. Y. Scholarship

    Funded by
    Gloria Millender
    This scholarship aims to honor Gloria Millender by supporting college-bound Black students who embody excellence through the principles of J. O. Y.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior
    • Religion: Christian
    • Race: Black
    • Gender: Male
    • Background: Volunteering experience
    Amount:$1,460
    Deadline:May 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    30
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Getting a college degree is a dream for many high school seniors. However, the cost of college can be a major barrier for students and their families. That's where scholarships come in - they provide financial support and make the dream of attending college a reality. High school senior scholarships reward successful students, aiding their transition to higher education with financial support and recognition.

Some scholarships are very broad and are open to all students who attend an accredited college, including high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, while others are exclusively open to seniors in high school.

As a scholarship platform, we understand the challenges students face when planning their higher education goals. That's why we will explore the best scholarships for high school seniors, discuss how to get scholarships in high school and share tips for a successful application.

Make your college dreams a reality! Apply for high school senior scholarships to get a head start on scholarship applications and maximize your financial assistance.

About Scholarships for High School Seniors

For the average high school senior, the college admissions process is an exciting yet daunting experience. There are a lot of things to consider, with rising tuition costs and student loans at the top of the list.

Since 1977, college tuition rates have increased 150% for both private and public four-year universities. Back then, it cost the modern equivalent of $17,680 per year to attend a private college and $8,250 per year to attend a public college, figures that graduating high school seniors could keep up with. Today, tuition costs are a whopping $48,510 for private colleges and $21,370 for public colleges. 

Despite soaring tuition rates, going to college is still a worthy investment. In 2018, college graduates earned weekly wages that were 80% higher than those of high school graduates. However, wages cannot keep up with rapidly increasing tuition costs.

To afford the cost of attendance, 34% of college students borrow money each year. On average, a student will borrow more than $30,000 to obtain their undergraduate degree. As a result, students collectively across the country owe more than $1.7 trillion in student loan debt.

That's where scholarships come into play. Scholarships are a form of financial aid that does not require repayment from the student. Approximately 25% of college costs are funded by college scholarships, grants, and fellowships.

To get started, click on one of the scholarships listed above and submit your application today! Or sign up now and apply for your first scholarship!

Also, view our full list of scholarships for high school students.

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Best Scholarships for High School Seniors

When it comes to scholarships, there are a plethora of options available for high school seniors. Here are some of the best scholarships worth considering:

Scholarships for High School Students

There are numerous scholarships specifically tailored to assist high school seniors as they prepare to transition to college. This collection provides a variety of opportunities suited to diverse interests and backgrounds aimed at supporting your educational journey.

Easy Scholarships for High School Seniors

For high school seniors looking for a simpler route to financial aid, there are plenty of easy scholarship opportunities worth exploring. These scholarships are designed with straightforward applications to make the process less daunting.

Scholarships by Major

High school seniors focusing on their future majors should explore scholarships specifically aligned with their field of study. These major-specific scholarships offer tailored support, catering to students with clear academic and career pathways in various disciplines.

The Gates Scholarship

Created by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship covers the full cost of attendance for minority students who demonstrate leadership, academic achievement, and financial need. According to data, the Gates Scholarship has provided support to thousands of students.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program

Recognizing students for their leadership skills, dedication to community service, and academic achievements, this scholarship grants funding to 150 high school seniors every year. The program has been instrumental in enabling students to pursue their higher education goals.

These scholarships are just a few examples of the amazing opportunities available for high school seniors. Researching and applying for scholarships like these can significantly reduce the financial burden of college.

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Why are Scholarships Important for High School Seniors?

While many universities offer some type of financial aid, and students can use the FAFSA to apply for governmental aid, college can still be difficult to afford. A shocking 65% of 2019 college graduates took out loans to pay for college. Furthermore, the cost of college has been rapidly increasing, more than doubling at public universities since the 1980s.

The increasing amount of loans that graduates are left with puts pressure on them to immediately find jobs, especially when student loans are compounded with the increase in housing costs. For current high school seniors, this means that scholarships can be critical for limiting student debt throughout college.

At Bold.org, we're here to help meet the financial need of students. You can check the scholarships by year here.

How to Find Scholarships for High School Seniors

To find scholarships for high school seniors, filter the list on Bold.org by education level in order to reduce the list to only scholarships open to high school students. Then, read through the descriptions and eligibility requirements to determine which scholarships you're interested in.

Pay close attention to deadlines and submission requirements for each scholarship. Some may require essays, letters of recommendation, or specific documentation, such as transcripts or proof of extracurricular involvement.

Additionally, consider focusing on scholarships that align with your skills, interests, or career goals. Many scholarships are designed for students pursuing specific fields of study or for those with unique talents and achievements.

When to Start Applying for Scholarships

It's never too early or too late to start applying! It's great to begin your applications in high school in order to maximize the number of scholarships you can apply for and win.

Starting early gives you more time to research and apply for a wider range of scholarships. High school juniors and seniors can often apply for scholarships well before graduation, giving them a head start on funding their education. Early planning also allows you to refine your application materials, such as essays and resumes, to stand out to selection committees.

If you're already in college or returning to school later in life, don’t hesitate to apply for scholarships. Many college students are just beginning their search, so don't worry if you're just starting! By staying persistent and proactive, you can still access valuable funding to support your educational goals.

What to Consider When Applying for Scholarships

When applying for scholarships, keep in mind that you want to make yourself stand out from other applicants. To do so, make sure your profile is detailed and unique so donors can get a sense of your personality, interests, and goals. Additionally, do everything in your power to increase your chances of winning, such as by following the tips below.

Read the instructions carefully: Before starting to fill out any scholarship application, make sure to read the instructions carefully. Follow them precisely and provide all the required information. Highlight your achievements: Make sure to highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any volunteer or community service work you have done.

Finally, don't get discouraged if you don't win every scholarship you apply for. Many students are looking for financial aid to fund their higher education, so not winning doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong.

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How to Apply for Scholarships for High School Seniors

Applying for scholarships may seem like a daunting task, but with proper preparation and guidance, it can be an achievable feat. Here are some steps to help you navigate the scholarship application process:

Research Extensively

Start by researching scholarships that align with your academic goals, extracurricular activities, and personal background. This will help you narrow down the scholarships that are the best fit for you.

Meet the Requirements

Carefully read the eligibility criteria for each scholarship and ensure you meet all the requirements. Keep in mind that some scholarships may have specific GPA requirements, community service hours, or essays to be submitted.

Gather Necessary Documents

Organize all the required documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and financial aid information. Make sure to meet the deadlines and submit your application well in advance.

Write a Compelling Essay

Many scholarship applications require an essay that showcases your achievements, aspirations, and why you deserve the scholarship. Spend time crafting a well-written and genuine essay that highlights your unique qualities.

Proofread and Submit

Before submitting your application, proofread everything thoroughly to ensure there are no errors or typos. Submit your application within the specified deadline and keep track of your submissions.

Following these steps will increase your chances of securing scholarships and funding your college education.

The first step in applying for Bold.org scholarships is to create an account on Bold.org. To do so, click on any of the scholarships above. Then, decide which types of scholarships you want to search for and use the filter to find good matches. Doing so will allow you to find scholarship opportunities based on your unique characteristics and interests, such as public service grants, merit scholarships, scholarships for college students, etc.

Once you find the scholarships you want to apply for, read the description to make sure you're eligible and to find scholarship instructions, such as an essay or video prompt. Once you're done with your application materials, just click apply, and you're all set!

Click here to read our complete guide on how to apply for scholarships.

Scholarships for High School Seniors Image 4

Scholarship Application Tips for High School Seniors

Applying for scholarships can feel like a lottery that you have no control over. With so many students in need of scholarships, it can feel impossible to make yourself stand out from other applicants. Luckily, there are many things you can do to improve your scholarship applications. Keep reading for our tips on how to win scholarships for high school seniors.

Find Your Best-Fitting Scholarships

Bold.org has scholarships for all types of students, regardless of academic performance, level of education, extracurricular activities, etc. Finding scholarships that fit your interests and experience will not only make you a better candidate but will also make your scholarship essays more personal.

Apply for a Variety of Scholarships

During your scholarship search, you will find different types of scholarships. While you may be tempted to apply only for easy, no-essay scholarships, it's a good idea to also apply to some essay-based scholarships to increase your chances of winning one. No-essay scholarships are great options for busy students, but the high number of applicants and the lack of an essay to distinguish yourself from the competition can make it difficult to win.

Apply Early and Often to Scholarships for High School Students

Begin your scholarship search and application process as early as possible. Some scholarships have early deadlines, so it's essential to stay organized and plan ahead.

There will be a scholarship deadline in the description of every scholarship, but don't wait until the last minute to apply! Being among the first to apply for a scholarship can boost your chances of winning and ensure that you won't miss the deadline if you experience difficulties with your application. To find scholarships that just launched, you can filter the scholarship list to show scholarships in descending order from newest to oldest.

Additionally, applying for more scholarships increases your chances of winning some, so apply for as many as you can. There are hundreds of open scholarships on Bold.org, and more are added each week, so there's no shortage of scholarships to apply for.

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Put Time and Effort into Your Essays

Tailor your application materials to each scholarship you apply for. Highlight your unique experiences, talents, and goals that align with the scholarship requirements. Be sure that you're putting your best foot forward with the essays you submit. Be sure to take the time to proofread so that your essay has proper spelling and grammar. Additionally, make sure you stay on topic and respond to the essay prompt.

Other essay tips include having a strong opening that grabs the attention of the reader, making the essay feel personal, and having a short conclusion at the end to sum up your essay. Many essays have low word limits, so be sure to stay on topic so you can fit all of the necessary information in your essay.

Seek Recommendations

Ask teachers, mentors, or community leaders who know you well to write recommendation letters for you. Their insights can greatly enhance your application and provide a holistic view of your abilities.

Stay Organized

Maintain a spreadsheet, a folder, or a calendar to track your scholarship applications, deadlines, and required documents. Being organized will help you submit everything on time and avoid any last-minute rush.

By following these tips, you can present yourself in the best possible light and increase your chances of receiving scholarships.

Additionally, when applying for scholarships, it's crucial to research the organizations offering the scholarships. Understanding their mission, values, and goals can help you tailor your application to align with their specific criteria. Take the time to explore their websites, read about their past scholarship recipients, and familiarize yourself with their selection process.

Additional Resources for High School Seniors

Financial Aid Offices

Contact the financial aid offices of the colleges you are applying to for information on grants, loans, and work-study programs. They can guide you through the process of applying for financial aid.

Furthermore, high school seniors can also benefit from reaching out to their school counselors for guidance on financial aid options. School counselors are well-versed in the college application process and can provide valuable insights into available scholarships and grants that cater to specific academic achievements or extracurricular involvements.

Local Organizations

Check with local community organizations, foundations, and businesses to see if they offer scholarships to high school seniors in your area. These scholarships may have less competition and can provide valuable support.

Alumni Associations

Another avenue to explore is contacting alumni associations of the colleges you are interested in attending. Alumni associations often have scholarship programs specifically designed to support incoming students from their alma mater's community. These scholarships can not only provide financial assistance but also help foster a sense of belonging and connection within the college community.

Utilizing these resources can help you navigate the college funding process and access additional financial assistance.

You can find plenty of undergraduate scholarships on Bold.org.

Frequently Asked Questions